Yanks hope age on their side

Experience could work in team's favor to set up another run at playoffs

Associated Press

Published 11:11 pm, Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon reacts after giving up two runs during the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon reacts after giving up two runs during the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, left, smiles with relief pitcher Mariano Rivera after an exhibition baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Friday, March 29, 2013, in Washington. The Yankees won 4-2. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) less

New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, left, smiles with relief pitcher Mariano Rivera after an exhibition baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Friday, March 29, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Alex Brandon

Yanks hope age on their side

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NEW YORK — October baseball is almost a divine right in the view of the New York Yankees. They've made the playoffs in 17 of the past 18 seasons, their fans block out autumn nights for baseball months in advance and clubhouse celebrations break out with regularity.

"Nobody's going to feel sorry for us," ace CC Sabathia said. "We've got guys in here who can hopefully step up and try to fill the void until these guys get back."

The power supply seems a bit depleted, especially while they wait for the return of Jeter, Teixeira, Granderson and A-Rod, who combined for 100 home runs last year. Add in Swisher, Martin and Ibanez, and that's 164 of the team-record 245 hit by the Yankees.

"I anticipate it's going to be different because we don't quite have the home-run hitters that we've had in the past," said Joe Girardi, starting his sixth season as manager. "So, we're going to have to find different ways to score runs. I think when you look at our club this year, there's more speed."

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Older clubs generally aren't known for swiftness, and the Yankees once again will be among the majors' elderly. Hoping their veterans age like wine and not become akin to rotary phones in the wireless era, New York counts on the health of a pitching staff closer to AARP than MVP.

Mariano Rivera, the 43-year-old reliever who is the greatest closer ever, returns for a valedictory season after missing most of 2012 with a torn knee ligament. "I can't say anything else other than he has been absolutely amazing to watch," Andy Pettitte said.

Pettitte, who turns 41 in June, was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 12 starts last year, when he missed almost three months because of a broken lower left leg.

"There's been a lot of talk about our age, but I like having those veterans," owner Hal Steinbrenner said. "I like the age. I like the experience. And I think it's great for the young players to have that around. Injuries are a big part of it. We're just going to have to keep our fingers crossed that we don't get any strange injuries."